Defra has provided more details on how direct payments will be phased out in England and how the future Environmental Land Management Scheme will function, although arrangements after 2021 remain unclear: Plans for future greener farming
ELMS will have a three tier entry scheme. As far as the basic payment is concerned, farmers making a claim of more than £150,000 will be subject to a 25 per cent reduction in 2021, while those making a claim of up to £30,000 will be subject to just a five per cent reduction.
I welcome proposals on productivity and research and development. From 2021, new government grants will help farmers to invest in equipment and technology which will help them to increase their productivity and deliver environmental benefits. From 2022, Defra will support research and development projects to help our farming industry benefit from innovation, enabling farmers to produce food more efficiently and sustainably with lower emissions.
As far as smaller investments are concerned, 'Grants will be available for equipment, technology, and small infrastructure investments that will make an immediate difference to farm performance, including investments that help farmers use less inputs, reduce emissions, and cut waste, which will also benefit the environment.' These will be for specific, pre-determined items - in other words the devil is in the detail.
As far as larger investments (sum not specified) are concerned, 'These grants will be for higher-value or more complex investments, with the potential to bring transformational improvements to business performance. Eligible investments could allow for more efficient use of labour, provide opportunities to switch to alternative or more efficient production methods, reduce environmental impact or create opportunities for new business models and alternative ways of selling produce directly to customers.' These will be for priority outcomes, including the use of automation and robotics.
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